A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Istanbul vs. Vitoria-Gasteiz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Istanbul or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Vitoria-Gasteiz, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Istanbul or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Istanbul

Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

In the midst of a vast, starry night, medieval cathedrals and ancient buildings are scattered with light across the humming city. This is none other than Vitoria-Gasteiz, a town located in the province of Araba/Alava in northern Spain. Within its border, this city contains Basque Country's House of Parliament, the headquarters of the Government, and the Lehendakari's (Prime Minister's) official residence. In 2012, Vitoria-Gasteiz was awarded the title of European Green Capital and now is one of the top five places to live in Spain. This multicultural city is chock full of amazing national history as well as unique cultural traditions. Vitoria-Gasteiz is also well known for its festivals, including Azkena rock festival, FesTVal, Vitoria-Gasteiz jazz festival, and the Virgen Blanca Festivities. Whether you seek to explore its world-renowned wineries or dine in a chic restaurant, Vitoria-Gasteiz holds an endless amount of possibilities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Vitoria-Gasteiz or Istanbul?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Vitoria-Gasteiz is $157. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Istanbul and Vitoria-Gasteiz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Istanbul $47
    Vitoria-Gasteiz $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Istanbul $94
    Vitoria-Gasteiz $148
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Vitoria-Gasteiz

Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Vitoria-Gasteiz? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Istanbul


Hotels in Vitoria-Gasteiz


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Vitoria-Gasteiz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Istanbul $55
    Vitoria-Gasteiz $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Ferry
    $0.09
  • Local Bus
    $0.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • Private Bosphorus Tour on Luxury Yacht w/transfer: $749
  • From 2-Day Cappadocia Trip w/ Flight and Transfers: $466
  • From Pamukkale Day Tour With Flights and Transfers: $321
  • Istanbul Airport S-Class Premium Luxury Sedan Transfer: $287
  • Hagia Sophia, Topkapi & Mosque Tour with Transfer: $286
  • Private Guided Istanbul Luxury Tour (Tickets and Transfers): $282
  • Troy and Gallipoli Day Guided Tour with Transfer: $280
  • Private Transfer to Bursa Uludag Hotels from Sabiha Gokcen airport: $245
  • Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $225
  • 3-Day Tours & Transfer Package: $225
  • Full-Day Old City Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $210
  • Layover Private Guided Istanbul City Tour with Transfers: $192

Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Prices for flights to both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Istanbul change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Istanbul $31
    Vitoria-Gasteiz $54
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Juice
    $0.06
  • Turkish Delight
    $0.02
  • Dessert
    $0.26
  • Pastries
    $0.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.

  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show from Istanbul: $16
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $17
  • Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $21
  • Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show: $25
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
  • Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
  • Dinner Cruise Bosphorus with Hotel Transfer: $28
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $29
  • Half Day Sunset Luxury Yacht Dinner Cruise Tour in Istanbul: $29
  • 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Istanbul $79
    Vitoria-Gasteiz $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Bosphurus Boat (for 2)
    $0.62
  • Yerebatan Cistern for Two
    $0.62
  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two
    $0.31
  • Hagia Sofia entrance
    $0.93

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:

  • 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $273
  • All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $164
  • Full Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour: $42
  • Green Bursa ~ Uludag Mountain, private Tour;Solo ;Groups: $60
  • Hippodrome and Blue Mosque Guided Tour: $8.73
  • Istanbul Half Day City Tour (Ottoman Relics): $55
  • City Highlights Tour w/Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque: $35
  • Must - See Istanbul Stops 1: Half Day Morning Tour: $139
  • 1 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $68
  • 1-Day Best of Istanbul Private Tour with the Best Local Guides: $250
  • 2 Continents Tour incl. Beylerbeyi Palace [full-day]: $218
  • 2 Days Private Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul: $432

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Istanbul $15
    Vitoria-Gasteiz $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul Pub Crawl Big Nightout . Rooftop parties,party Bus & Nightlife: $22
  • Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
  • Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $50
  • Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $80
  • 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
  • Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $245
  • Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
  • Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $844


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Vitoria-Gasteiz, we can see that Vitoria-Gasteiz is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Vitoria-Gasteiz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vitoria-Gasteiz than you might in Istanbul.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Vitoria-Gasteiz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Vitoria-Gasteiz. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Vitoria-Gasteiz, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Istanbul or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Istanbul or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Vitoria-Gasteiz. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 188 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Autumn?

Both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

In the autumn, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Vitoria-Gasteiz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz averages at about 16°C (62°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vitoria-Gasteiz. In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Winter?

Both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vitoria-Gasteiz. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 77 hours of full sun.

Vitoria-Gasteiz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Istanbul usually gets less rain in January than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Vitoria-Gasteiz. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Istanbul is around the same temperature as Vitoria-Gasteiz in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

Vitoria-Gasteiz receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Vitoria-Gasteiz and Istanbul

Istanbul Vitoria-Gasteiz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)